Disruptorii endocrini și acțiunea acestora asupra sănătății omului | [Endocrine disruptors and their action on human health]

Abstract

The last two decades witnessed growing scientific concern and public debate over the potential effects that may result from exposure to a group of chemicals that have the potential to alter the normal functioning of the endocrine system in humans. Concerns regarding exposure to endocrine disruptors are due primarily to adverse effects observed in certain wildlife, fish, and ecosystems, second due to the increased incidence of certain endocrine-related diseases, and third from the action of endocrine disruption resulting from exposure to certain environmental chemicals observed in laboratory experimental animals. A potential adverse outcome in humans has focused mainly on reproductive and sexual development and function, altered immune, nervous system, thyroid function,n, and hormone-related cancer. Chemicals that are known human endocrine disruptors include diethylstilbestrol (DES), dioxin, PCBs, DDT, and some other pesticides. Pesticides and plasticizers are suspected endocrine disruptors based on limited animal studies.